It can be surprising to realize how many things we accumulate in our homes over the years. There are often a lot of items that we don’t really need or only use occasionally. On the other hand, sometimes we want to keep these items, but they occupy a lot of space that we need for something else. Luckily for us, there are many storage options available for such cases. Self-storage units are not only used by companies anymore, but more and more people opt for renting storage space. Reasons for this decision are numerous. However, renting storage can be costly, and that is why it’s essential to learn more about this process. As you will see, there are many do’s and don’ts of saving money when it comes to storage. Tips in this article will help you make the right choices for yourself and keep storage expenses low.
Why people rent storage units?
As we’ve already mentioned, reasons for renting storage are numerous, and they vary from person to person. Even if you haven’t rented a storage unit before, there are situations when doing so can help you. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- decluttering your home for staging before sale – without all the extra stuff, your home will look more spacious and attractive to prospective buyers
- before moving in – your new home isn’t ready yet, and you need a temporary solution for your belongings before you can move in
- downsizing your home – a smaller home in combination with a storage unit can be cheaper than a bigger home that can hold all of your things
- when you need time – it’s a good idea to store your items while you’re looking for or building your dream home
Whatever your reasons might be, you naturally want to get the best storage option for your situation and get the most bang for your buck. So, here are some do’s and don’ts of saving money when choosing the perfect storage solution for your belongings.
Decide what you need to put into the storage
The first thing you want to do is assess your belongings and decide which of them need to go into the storage. The price you’ll pay for your storage unit depends mainly on its square footage. If you want to save money, don’t hesitate to throw away the items you don’t need or use.
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Check all of your items carefully and ask yourself whether it would be better to sell or donate some of them. Be as organized as possible and make a list of things you need regularly, the things you want to get rid of, and the things you want to store. Ensure you only store items of value into storage. After all, you want your storage unit to be worth the expense.
Also, you want to avoid storing items that don’t belong in a storage unit. Therefore, you have to familiarize yourself with some typical storage mistakes. Among the most common misconceptions about storing items is that you can store anything. However, keep in mind that some things are simply not suitable for storing. For example, don’t store food, perishable items, green plants, and hazardous or toxic substances. They will be damaged in the storage, plus they may cause damage to your other belongings.
Choose the right size and type of unit you need
Once you’ve determined which items require storage, make sure you make the right choice of the unit. Dismantle things that can be dismantled, so they occupy less space. Pack neat and tight, and try to arrange your items in a way that will maximize the usage of space in your unit.
However, depending on what you’re storing, make sure you have enough room. Maybe some of your items have to be at a certain distance from one another, or you’ll often need easy access to them. So, factor in a bit of wiggle room for such cases. Also, take into account the temperature, humidity, and other storage conditions that might affect your belongings.
Check several storage companies in your area
Don’t simply go to the nearest company you know. Instead, spend a few minutes researching more companies in your area and compare prices and services. See what they offer in terms of storage options and security and opt for the provider that best suits your needs. Checking the customer review before deciding is also one of the ways to save money.
Also, look for discounts and negotiate to get the best price possible. This field is very competitive, and therefore companies often offer various discounts. You can save 10 to 25% if you rent long-term or pay in cash, etc. Different companies will provide additional incentives, and it’s up to you to choose the one that works best for you.
Pack and load carefully
Whether you are planning the move to your new home or downsizing your current one, what you don’t want is any damage to your things. Therefore, when it comes to storage do’s and don’ts of saving money, packing your belongings carefully and using good quality supplies is an absolute do.
Don’t try to save on packing materials because it may cost you more in the long run. Instead, use quality boxes and ensure that all of your items are neatly packed and sufficiently protected. Label all of the boxes, especially the ones containing fragile items. That will make loading and transport of your items much safer. Plus, it will make it easier to locate what you need when you need it later on.
If possible, share space
Another great way to reduce the costs of renting storage space is to share the unit with a family member or a friend. This is an excellent idea, especially if both of you need a long-term storage solution for your belongings. That way you can choose a larger unit that will suit both of you and cut the costs in half. Many companies will offer discounts in such cases, and you’ll end up having more space for less money.
In a nutshell, a good plan and organization are half of the work done. Also, finding the best company and opting for the right size storage unit, as well as careful packing, is the key to choosing a perfect storage solution for your items. We hope that following the tips from this article about storage do’s and don’ts of saving money will help you make the right choices.
